For the seventh straight year, the University of Iowa has been designated a "Best Buy" in the Fiske Guide to Colleges, and for the fifth year running, the UI is the only Big Ten school on the list.

The creation of a former New York Times education editor, the Fiske Guide has been a respected college search tool used by parents, college-bound students, and their guidance counselors for more than 25 years. The 2012 edition evaluates the academics, social life, financial aid, housing and other features at more than 300 colleges in the United States, Canada and Great Britain.

To receive a "Best Buy" designation, schools had to have high academic rankings, an inexpensive or moderate price, and a high quality of student life on campus. In all, 49 schools received the "Best Buy" designation, including 25 private schools and 24 public schools such as the UI.

In addition to providing updated statistics and new firsthand descriptions of student life at Iowa, the 2012 edition of the Guide continues to describe the UI as "one of the most dynamic schools in the country—and one of the best values to boot." It also describes UI as "a bargain compared with other Big Ten schools … The scope of its academic programs is broad and social activities abound—especially when it comes to rooting for their Hawkeyes."

UI officials say the designation reflects the university's longstanding mission to provide a great education at an affordable price.

"We work hard to provide a high-quality education and learning environment at an affordable price for our students. It's gratifying to receive recognition for those efforts in the Fiske Guide," said Barry Butler, UI executive vice president and provost.